Our Team

Shara Wali

Director of Administration

Dedicated accounting professional and certified HR trainer. Former Director of PR at Haibatsultan Institute and a passionate women’s activist committed to economic empowerment and social justice.

Naren Briar

Youth Advocate & Undergraduate Member

My name is Naren Briar, I am 19 years old, and I am currently an undergraduate student at Boston College. I grew up in Dallas, Texas with my mother, father and older sister. Most if not all, my motives can be traced back to my parents and their incredible story of seeking refuge here from Kurdistan. Because of this, I take pride in being Kurdish and have geared my career towards doing what I can to improve conditions back home one day. In my free time, I enjoy debating and writing which has led me to begin writing my first novel about my parent’s encounters when fleeing the Ba’ath regime. I look forward to being a part of this organization!

Alan Kurdi

Community Awareness Coordinator

Freshman at George Mason University, dedicated to raising awareness about substance abuse among students. A published author and swim instructor.

Aween Shexani

Youth Organizer & Governance Member

A law student at Salahaddin University and advocate for youth and women’s rights, supporting KAID in Governance and Rule of Law.

Shayma Abduljabar

Psychosocial Support Specialist

Clinical Psychology graduate focused on mental health awareness and community initiatives in Erbil.

Bahra Shexani

Youth Organizer & Governance Member

A fifth-year law student at Salahaddin University. Dedicated to community betterment through rule of law initiatives and youth participation via Global Youth Parliament.

Ronak Abdullah Ismael

Education Technical Advisor

Educator with 30+ years of experience. Served as Technical Auditor for the Ministry of Education, specializing in early childhood development.

Sam Kurdi

Senior Advisor

Specialist in regional governance and strategic planning with 30+ years of experience.

Ruken Isik

Gender Advisor

PhD candidate advising on inclusive humanitarian programming and gender equality.

Lynn Holland

Post-Conflict Specialist

Focuses on post-conflict reconstruction and development with extensive field experience.

Dlshad Othman

IT Director

Cyber-security engineer and digital infrastructure expert.

Maryam F. Dehkordi

Web Developer

Manages digital platforms and UI/UX design.

Kamal Chomani

Europe Rep

Journalist and analyst focusing on regional human rights.

Niyazi Hamid Braim

Canada Rep

Refugee advocate and human rights coordinator based in Canada.

Meghan Bodette

MENA Rep

Research director specializing in peace and democracy.

Winthrop Rodgers

Iraq Rep (KRI)

Field researcher and journalist based in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.

Lawrence Cohen

Board Chair

Former U.S. diplomat with 30 years of global policy experience.

Skip Rohde

Vice Chair

Retired Navy Officer and expert in governance coordination.

Michael Delaney

Board Member

Former Assistant U.S. Trade Representative.

Bom Hoe Huh

Treasurer

Expert in non-profit accounting and financial management with a Master’s from George Washington University.